

Why Coke Isn't Getting Rid of High-Fructose Corn Syrup
108 snips Jul 31, 2025
In this engaging discussion, WSJ journalist Laura Cooper dives into the beverage industry's sweet dilemma with Coca-Cola. She explains the shift from cane sugar to high-fructose corn syrup and the challenges of reversing that trend. The episode also features a taste test revealing surprising flavor differences. Cooper discusses the rise of high-fructose corn syrup in the mid-20th century, its cost benefits, and how public perception shapes the debate on health implications. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of sweetener choices and their effects on consumer preferences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Coke Taste Test Surprise
- Laura Cooper participated in a Coke taste test comparing cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup versions.
- She initially misidentified them, showing the subtle taste difference is hard to discern.
Why Coke Switched to Corn Syrup
- Coca-Cola switched to high-fructose corn syrup in the 1980s due to sugar import disruptions and costs.
- Corn syrup is cheaper, abundant in the U.S., and functions similarly as a sweetener in soda.
Mexican Coke’s Cane Sugar Appeal
- Mexican Coke uses real cane sugar and is more flavorful, seen as a boutique option compared to domestic Coke.
- The glass bottle and cane sugar give it a richer, fresher taste distinct from corn syrup Coke.